I recall my very first 3 hrs (dual) in an R22 fondly - steady 20kt winds - my first hover turn ended up somewhere far, far away from where it was initiated. Even flew them solo 25-30 gust 35 winds but they felt like they were going fall apart so I would just try not to stress the machine and mostly bob along uncomfortably. At the time also enjoyed windsurfing (the board and sail variety) and figured this helped - it certainly did with the plank. As I mentioned previously, the R22 is a doddle in fair weather but add a few bumps and it becomes a handful to fly but not impossible for the experienced (I guess now it is since they changed the rules).
After a number of years flying helicopters I went back and tried a plank and found I had a tendency to let the IAS drop off on short finals - but after 2 circuits I had that sorted and have never had that sensation ever again. It's no big deal.